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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Why did I actually expected a happy ending when I fucking know this character already?
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I got sucked back into the MCU after Thunderbolts came out, and was recommended The Winter Soldier: Cold Front by my TikTok FYP several dozen times.
Because of all the praise laden upon it online, I had super high expectations. Also, I’m not at all familiar with the Marvel comics, so my enjoyment of the book was definitely contingent upon how Bucky’s characterization measured up to his MCU version, no matter how hard I tried to separate the versions in my head.
Here are my thoughts! Keep in mind a common theme in my review is how this book stacks up against MCU Bucky, so be forewarned if you don’t care about that aspect.
WRITING:
• It was well-written and the plot was easy to follow, while still being complex and engaging.
• Realistic violence, not over the top or gratuitous, but appropriate for the setting.
• I was initially unsure about the shifting POVs between past and present, but soon found them purposeful and not confusing.
CHARACTER(S):
• I did enjoy Bucky’s characterization — it was obviously different than MCU Bucky, especially since this book deals with his childhood, but all the aspects of MCU Bucky’s character that I love felt consistent here. This characterization even gave me some more things to love about Bucky!
• I liked that the existence of Ginny, a character that doesn’t exist in the MCU (as far as I know) didn’t replace Bucky’s friendship with Steve (though that friendship isn’t shown in this book), but instead added another layer to Bucky’s character and past. She brought out parts of him that other characters have not; I saw a side of Bucky that I have never seen before, and it felt totally plausible.
PLOT:
• I would’ve liked more content covering Bucky’s time with Steve and the Able Company, seeing how it was different in the comic universe vs. the MCU, but I understand why the author excluded it- it is territory already mapped in the comics and the MCU.
• I found the ending sad, but not nearly as sad as TikTok readers advertised- they all reported bawling their eyes out! Despite the sadness, I felt it was satisfying. I found that it wrapped up the plot and gave the impression of a story well told.
Because of all the praise laden upon it online, I had super high expectations. Also, I’m not at all familiar with the Marvel comics, so my enjoyment of the book was definitely contingent upon how Bucky’s characterization measured up to his MCU version, no matter how hard I tried to separate the versions in my head.
Here are my thoughts! Keep in mind a common theme in my review is how this book stacks up against MCU Bucky, so be forewarned if you don’t care about that aspect.
WRITING:
• It was well-written and the plot was easy to follow, while still being complex and engaging.
• Realistic violence, not over the top or gratuitous, but appropriate for the setting.
• I was initially unsure about the shifting POVs between past and present, but soon found them purposeful and not confusing.
CHARACTER(S):
• I did enjoy Bucky’s characterization — it was obviously different than MCU Bucky, especially since this book deals with his childhood, but all the aspects of MCU Bucky’s character that I love felt consistent here. This characterization even gave me some more things to love about Bucky!
• I liked that the existence of Ginny, a character that doesn’t exist in the MCU (as far as I know) didn’t replace Bucky’s friendship with Steve (though that friendship isn’t shown in this book), but instead added another layer to Bucky’s character and past. She brought out parts of him that other characters have not; I saw a side of Bucky that I have never seen before, and it felt totally plausible.
PLOT:
• I would’ve liked more content covering Bucky’s time with Steve and the Able Company, seeing how it was different in the comic universe vs. the MCU, but I understand why the author excluded it- it is territory already mapped in the comics and the MCU.
• I found the ending sad, but not nearly as sad as TikTok readers advertised- they all reported bawling their eyes out! Despite the sadness, I felt it was satisfying. I found that it wrapped up the plot and gave the impression of a story well told.
I was worried when I bought this book that it was going to be cheesy and poorly written, but it is the opposite! I am thoroughly obsessed with Bucky Barnes, so it was inevitable that I would love this book, but WOW. I loved the duplicate timelines and his character was written so perfectly in both. it strays from his MCU origin story slightly, but in an interesting way that I enjoyed. I will 100% be reading this again.
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence
Moderate: Physical abuse, Medical trauma, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Self harm, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Death of parent
This was fine, but that's about it. It gets an extra half star for doing some cool things with the audiobook narration for swapping between timelines and memories.
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated